Boat fishing - Where to start

[charliebigspuds]

Hello,

I'm a complete amatur and the last time I fished from a boat was with my father when I was about ten years old. However, I did enjoy the experiance and would like to repeat with my children and maybe even the wife, I can always throw her in if she gets on my nerves.

So I was wondering where I should start? Any advice would be apprecited,

I'm not even sure what type of boat I need? After that, can I just go out in it, are there not laws of the sea that I need to adhere to? Oh and like I say, I haven't fished for thirty years, so perhaps a little advice on that too?

I'm live very near Dover.

Many thanks for any comments.

[MRG2000]

Welcome to the forum .....

Have a look at theses sites ,lots of good info on boating & safety at sea

http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-hom...ga-fishing.htm

http://www.rya.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

[John Marshall]

Welcome Charlie, unless you have a bottom less bank account don't bother with a boat yet, try a few charter boats first and get back into fishing.

[Andy-Bailey]

As an ex skipper and boat owner i would advise you think very carefully before buying any boat , the costs of running a boat are very high indeed ,As mentioned before get on a few charter boats and see how you get on also look into storage costs if applicable as they can be high too , As a old skipper once said to me ,,,,, whats the definition of a boat ?? A hole in the water you pour money into !
Also you could see if there are any boat fishing clubs in the area and have a word with the members , they should be able to steer you in the right direction As for laws of the sea there are many , mostly common sense but would be worth going with another experienced small boat angler to gain some experience , good luck mate :) As for a boat , cant go far wrong with a dell quay dory imho but the costs of running and maintaining modern outboard engines can be frightening .

Andy

[Gibberfish]

One of the least expensive ways to own and run your own boat is to keep it on a trailer and launch it from a slipway. I would recommend joining a club so you get the benefit of shared experience and knowhow. Many clubs have excellent facilities to help you launch.
Take lots of advice when looking at boats and try to avoid compromises. If you want to fish get a fishing boat, if you want to water ski get a ski boat.
The biggest manageable trailer boats are about 20 ft but look at the 16 - 20 ft group.
If you want to see how clubs work why not come down to the Varne Boat club at Greatstone for a drink and a chat - I'll show you a few boats and you can get an idea of whats available.

[MRG2000]

Originally Posted by Andy-Bailey

As a old skipper once said to me ,,,,, whats the definition of a boat ?? A hole in the water you pour money into !

Having also run a charter boat for many years , this sums it up really....